Installing decking in your garden: A Guide to Installation and Costs
Adding decking to your garden is a great way to transform your outdoor space into a functional space where you can enjoy dining, relaxing or entertaining. However, before you start, it’s important to know how to install your decking effectively so it stands the test of time and how much it’s likely to cost.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to installing your decking, along with the costs to consider so you know what to expect when it comes to your decking project.
What materials are available for decking boards? What are the average costs?
Decking boards are available in a range of materials including wood, composite, bamboo and plastic. Each material has its own properties, advantages and disadvantages.
We recommend carefully considering your needs and how you intend to use your decking to ensure you choose the right material and can install practical and long-lasting decking.
At Tuin, we offer two types of decking boards.
Composite decking boards
Composite decking is made from a blend of plastic and wood fibres. The material is designed to be highly durable and requires very little ongoing maintenance. Unlike timber decking, composite decking won’t rot or need treating regularly to maintain its appearance, making it a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing option for your garden. The planks are also resistant to moisture, mould and insects.
Composite decking can be slightly more expensive than timber decking but it has a much longer lifespan and requires little maintenance, providing you with durable decking that will stand the test of time.
Average cost: £35-£80 per square metre (depending on type of decking e.g. hollow core, solid core)
Pros: Low maintenance, resistant to moisture, mould and insects, long lifespan
Cons: Slightly higher initial cost compared to wooden decking
Timber decking boards
Timber is the most popular choice for decking and is probably the material you picture when thinking about garden decking.
Timber provides a natural look but does require more maintenance than composite decking. Without regular maintenance, you’ll end up with a deck full of green growth and decking that rots quickly and will not stand the test of time.
We recommend cleaning and treating your timber decking regularly to prevent these problems and ensure your decking stands the test of time.
Average cost: £25-£60 per square metre (depend on type of wood)
Pros: Natural material, timeless look
Cons: Requires regular maintenance (cleaning and oiling)
What to consider when building your decking project
The following factors should be considered when installing your decking yourself and can have an impact on the cost, depending on the options you choose.
1. Board thickness
The thickness of the decking boards you choose will depend on how you intend to use it, the load it will be subjected to and its desired lifespan. We recommend thicker decking boards for more intensive use, and they provide a longer lifespan. On the other hand, thinner boards are perfect for lighter use, but they have a shorter lifespan.
Thicker boards can also be more expensive than thinner boards with an average price difference of £25-£35 per square metre.
2. Substrate
The subsoil on which you choose to construct your decking must be solid and stable otherwise your decking may sink over time which means it won’t last as long as you might want it to. The subsoil should also be level to ensure your decking is usable.
This can cost between £10-30 per square metre. Depending on the surface your decking will be placed on, you may also require concrete foundation posts. Larger decking projects will benefit from these foundations to provide stability, prevent subsidence and to protect your decking against moisture and mould. These posts cost around £70 each.
3. Weed control matting
Placing weed control matting underneath your decking helps to prevent week growth and can extend the lifespan of your decking. This also ensures good drainage which means water can drain away effectively without causing your decking to subside. It also prevents plant roots from damaging your decking boards, providing your decking with a longer lifespan.
4. The size of your decking project
Before you start building, it’s important to know exactly how big you want your decking to be. To ensure it’s the perfect size, we recommend lining up a piece of wood or outlining the space in which your decking will go. This will give you a good idea of the space you have available and allow you to picture exactly where you want your decking to be and how big or small it needs to be to suit your needs.
Installing your decking
Installing decking is a precise job. If you’re confident with DIY, you can do it yourself which will save on the cost of bringing in an installer. It’s important to ensure the decking is installed accurately and securely attached to the underlying structure. This ensures it can withstand usage and a range of weather conditions.
Here are our tips for installing your decking as well as key costs to consider:
1. Place the foundation beams
To create the foundation for your decking, you’ll need to place the joists. These should be positioned at the same height and distance from each other and will serve as support points for your decking boards.
Before you start, make sure you find the right position for the joists and anchor them firmly in the ground. We also recommend placing weed control matting under the joists, as explained earlier in this blog.
2. Installing the decking boards
Precise installation of your decking boards is crucial for the final look of your project. Before you start, determine the correct spacing between the board and ensure they’re aligned and placed at the same height. This will create an even, sturdy and stable surface.
3. Secure the decking boards
Your decking boards can be secured using either screws or clips. The option you choose will depend on your budget and the material you’re using. Screws provide a long-lasting, cost-effective option whereas clips provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish but can cost more initially.
For more on securing your decking boards, take a look at our blog: Decking DIY: How to Install, Secure & Maintain your Decking Boards.
4. Finish your decking
To ensure your decking lasts for as long as possible, we recommend treating it. If you choose composite decking boards, this step is unnecessary as they don’t need finishing.
For wooden decking, sand and oil your decking boards both after installation and on a regular basis to protect it from the elements and prevent UV damage or mould and rot.
Treatments cost between £20 and £75 depending on the product you choose and the amount you require.
Should you have your decking installed by a professional instead?
Asking professionals to install your decking instead of taking on a DIY project means you’ll benefit from having an experienced tradesperson build your decking, saving time and ensuring that your decking is installed properly.
However, this can be a more expensive option because you’ll need to pay for labour costs as well as materials.
Consider your DIY skills and the time you have available when deciding between building your decking yourself or asking a professional to do it for you.
Ready to build your dream decking project?
Installing decking in your garden is one of the best ways to create a multi-functional space perfect for extending your living space to enjoy dining, relaxing or entertaining. However, to make sure it lasts and functions as it should, it’s essential to plan your project carefully, from choosing the right material and preparing a stable foundation to securing the boards properly and applying the right treatments.
Whether you opt for the natural beauty of timber or the low maintenance durability of composite decking, following these steps will ensure your decking is safe, stylish and long lasting.
Ready to get started? Explore our full range of decking boards, fixings and treatments to bring your garden project to life.